Oil well tool



Juy 30, 1946. P. H. @RANGER 2,404,876

OIL WELL TOOL Filed Jan. 6, 1942 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 g 3,... 72 S 6. 1,4 a 2,- l n# N N f ll/f// E R 4 @w 4 l 1. A 2. 3,.. 5,22. El 4 g J j a L. a 5 4, M H

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INVENToR v SYM/57W* ATTORNEY P. H. GRANGER Filed Jan. 6, 1942 Juy E946. P. H. @RANGER 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 OIL WELL TOOL Filed Jan. 6, 1942 RAUL ff. @EAA/6E@ INVENTOR I f 7 f 5 4 l z n ATTORNEY Patented July 3o, 1946 UNITED STATES PATENT GFFICE OIL WELL TOOL Paul H. Granger, Los Angeles, Calif.

Application January 6, 1942, Serial No. 425,780

(Cl. 16S-11) 12 Claims. l

This invention relates to oil well tools and pertains more particularly to apparatus for controlling the fluid flow through the tubular Well string in testing for leaks in casings, cementing, washing, and other operations involving the introduction of fluid through a tool suspended from the well string.

After testing for leaks at a given position in an oil well casing with a tool such as shown in my Patent No. 2,248,169, issued July 8, 1941, or with comparable tools, the fluid contained in the tubular well string drains therefrom as the tool is moved vertically to a different position in the casing, due to the fact that the well string cornmunicates with the interior of the casing at a position removed from the packing cups, as with the by-pass passage through which fluid is permitted to flow past the tool. Thus, if tests are carried out at a large number of locations, con-V siderable liquid will be released in the well. In general this has a deleterious eect on the well and is wasteful in that time and energy are consumed in resupplying the lost liquid to the well string at each test location.

When cleaning uid or oil is introduced through such a tool, as in perforation cleaning, the cost of the liquid is high and it is expensive to let it drain unnecessarily from the well string. It is also valuable to have control of the flow of fluid through the well string in other operations requiring the controlled placement of liquid at a given location in the casing through the string.

It is therefore an important object of this invention to provide an apparatus for controlling the ow of liquid through the well string.

Another object of the invention is to provide a valve mechanism in the well string in the vicin ity of the point of discharge of liquid to be delivered through the well string and operable by manipulation of the well string for controlling the flow of liquid through the string.

Another important object of the invention, according to one form thereof, is to provide a valve mechanism at the lower end of the well string operable by manipulation of the string to decrease the fluid pressure on the valves of a cementing or leak-locating tool or the like and/or the pressure on the packing cups to facilitate operation or movement thereof.

This pressure-relieving is particularly important in preventing the wear on the valves in cementing or leak-locating tools or the like. For example, when the tool in my above-mentioned patent is used for testing and the valves are closed and under high pressure inthe operating chamber, it is extremely difficult to open the valves without subjecting them to undue mechanical stress and Wear. By providing means for reducing the fluid pressure on the valves, as by equalizing the pressure inside and outside of the tool, the valves may be readily opened Without excessive wear.

Another and more specific object of the invention is to provide a valve mechanism operable by manipulation of the well string to open communication between the interior of a cementing or leak-locating tool or the like and the exterior thereof to equalize the pressure difference between the interior and exterior thereof. This feature is of particular importance when movement of the tool is required to operate the valves therein. an example.)

Another object of the inventionV is to provide a valve mechanism for use with an oil well tool such as a cementing or leak-locating tool which will operate to close the well string and prevent outflow of liquid therefrom upon either upward or downward movement of the string.

My invention comprises a Valve mechanism or iiow control device interposed in the well string and operable upon manipulation of the well string to control fluid flow through the well string. The iiow control device may be either a separate device interposed between the well string and a cementing tool or the like for controlling flow between the well string and tool, or it may comprise the valve mechanism of a cementing tool or the like. The preferred embodiment of the invention also includes means for relieving pressure between the cups of a cementing tool or the like.

Further objects and advantages of the invention will be specically brought out in the ensuing description or will be apparent therefrom.

In the accompanying drawings:

Fig. l is a longitudinal section through one form of fluid ilow control device of my invention showing it attached to the upper part of a cementing tool; l

Fig. 2 is a longitudinal section through the lower portion of the tool illustrated in Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a transverse section taken along line 3 3 in Fig. 2, illustrating the construction of the valves in the cementing tool;

Figs. 4 and 5 are enlarged longitudinal sectional views of the lower part of the flow control device illustrated in Fig. 1, showing different positions of the parts during operation thereof;

Fig. 6 is a longitudinal section through a mod- (See Costello Patent No. 2,214,121 as` Y eration;

Fig. 11 is a longitudinal section through another form of fluid flow control device according to my invention;

Fig. 12 is a partly sectional plan view taken along line l-I 2 in Fig. 1l;

Fig. 13 is a transverse section taken along line I3-I3 in Fig. 1l;

Fig. 14 is a longitudinal section of a tool embodying a now control device according to my invention;

` ,Fg. 15 is a longitudinal section of another tool embodying valve means according to my inven tion; l

Figs. 16 and 17 are partial longitudinal sections illustrating different relative positions of the parts; and

Fig. 18 is a transverse section thereof taken on line Ill-I8 in Fig. 15.

Referring to Figs. 1 and 2, I have illustrated my flow control apparatus, indicated generally at A, as applied to a well tool B, such as is shown in Fig. 1 of my above-mentioned Patent No. 2,248,169. The flow control apparatus A is shown as comprising tubular body means comprising a tubular outer body I and Van inner tubular body extending Iwithin the 4outer body and longitudinally slidable relative thereto. rl`he outer tubular body I comprises a plurality of threadedly joined sections 2, 3, and 4, and the inner tubular bodl7 comprises a tubular member 'I having an enlarged upper end section indicated at 8. The central section 3 lof tubular body I is provided `with upper and lower packing glands 5 and 5 at'its ends sealingly engaging the outer surface of the longitudinally slidable inner tubular member 1. The enlarged upper end section 8 is shown as a separate tubular member threadedly secured to member "I, and extends through the upper body section 2 and is threadedly secured at its upper end to the lower tubing sectionS of a tubular well string by means of a collar I I.

The inner tubular member I is provided adjacent its lower end with a partition means I2 and a valve plug I3. The partition means I2 is effective to completely close off longitudinal communication through the inner tubular member l.

The lower end of the lower body section 4 is threadedly secured to a nipple I4 comprising the upper part of the cementing tool B. The plug I 3 is formed vwith a conical lower end which is adapted to engage a seat I3 at the upper end of the nipple I4 to shut off fluid communication therethrough. The Vinner tubular member I is provided with a port I6 located above the partition means t2 and with a pair of vertically spaced ports H and I3 which are located between the partition means I2 and the plug I3 and spaced apart a distance somewhat greater than the vertical extent of the lower lpacking gland 6. The internal diameter of the lower body section 4 is somewhat greater than that of the inner member 'l so as to provide a passage l0 for flow of iluid. The central section 3 of the body I is provided with a radially extendingport I9 which is located between the packing glands 5 and 6.

Inner tubular member 'I is mounted for longitudinal sliding movement relative tothe outer tubular member I and upper tubular section `2 has an internal diameter which is somewhat greater than the internal diameter of the tubular section 3. An annular flange 2| is provided on the lower end of the inner tubular section 8 and is adapted to engage the upper end of the section 3 to limit relative motion in one direction. The upper end portion of the section 2 is of reduced internal diameter to provide an inwardly extending shoulder 24, whereby the flange 2l will engage said shoulder to limit relative motion in the other direction. As lwill be brought out below in describing the operation of the apparatus, the member 'I constitutes a valve means operable by manipulation of the 4well string, to open and close the passages through the flow control device A. To provide means for transmitting rotary movement of the tubing .string 9 through Vthe tubular body I, the inner tubular member 8 is provided with a longitudinally extending slot or recess 22 and a cooperating key 23 extending into the recess is provided in the upper end of the body section 2.

The tool illustrated at B in Figs. 1 and 2 is the same as disclosed in my above-mentioned patent and comprises an outer tubular body member 3I having vertically spaced packing cups 32 and 33 thereon for sealin'gly engaging with the inner wall of the well casing I5 to seal off a localized zone in the casing therebetween indicated at 40. The cups 32 and 33 ar'e shown facing one another whereby an excess pressure in the Zone 4I) will cause the cups to expand and seal tightly against the casing. The body member 3I is further provided with bow springs 34 and 35 which are adapted to frictionally engage the interior of the casing to resist relative rotational or vertical movement of the body 3| with respect to the casing.

The tool B is `further provided with an inner tubular member 36 adapted for relative rotation with respect to the body member 3| and secured against relative vertical movement therein. The inner tubular member 3B communicates at its upper end with the nipple I4 to which it is secured and is provided intermediate its ends 'with aport 3l located between vertically spaced partitions 42 and 43 and cooperating valves 38 and 39 which denne with the interior of the tubular member 3| a chamber which communicates through a discharge opening or port 4I in the outer tubular member 3I with the Zone 40 in the casing between the packers Y32 and 33. The lower end of member 36 is closed.

The valves 38 and 39 rotatably engage partitions or seats 42 vand 43-in the tubular member 3|, each vof these partitions being provided with an opening 44 and 45, respectively, communicating with the space Ybetween the tubular members '3| and 35 above and below the respective partitions. The valves'38 and 39 are provided with openings adapted to aline with the openings 44 and 45. In Fig. 3 the valve 39 is -shown provided with an opening 45a adapted to aline withthe opening y45 to open v*the valve and to be spaced therefrom when the valve is rotated closed as shown. It may be assumed that the valves 33 and 39 in Fig. 2 are rotated counter-*clockwise as viewed downward jfrom 'the vposition shown in Fig. 3 and are open. The valve'39 is shown in its closed position in Fig3 in order to clarify its illustration. The upper valve 38is similarly'constructed. The outer tubular member -3I is provided'with one or more upper by-pass openings 46 and one or more lower by-pass openings llI'I, located respectively The valves 33 and 39 are opened and closed by` relative movement of the inner tubular member.`

36 with respect Yto the outer tubular member 3l. Rotation in one direction opens the valves (alines the ports-inthe. partitions and plates) to provide communication between the by-pass openings 3B and 4l whereby liquid may by-pass between the spaces in the casing above and below the packing means and the tool may be freely moved vertically. Relative movement of the inner tubular member 36 with respect tothe outer tubular member '5I in the opposite direction will close the Valves 38 and 39 (moves theports in the plates and partitions out of alinement) and seal oii a zone in the casing between the packing members 3.2 and 33. Suitable means, such as pin 'it on nipple I4 and pins 'I'I and 'I8 on the upper end of the outer tubular body of the tool,` are provided for limiting relative rotation of the inner and outer members of the tool. In Fig. 2 the valves 38 `and 39 are shown in open position, with pin 'I6 engaging pin 11.

In running the tool B down the casing to any given position, the valves 38 and 39 are opened. by rotative manipulation of the well string 9 and the valve mechanism in the flow control apparatus A is closed, the parts thereof assuming the positions illustrated in Fig. 1. In this position com munication between the port I9 and the passage II) within the body I is cut ofi by the packing member 6. Communication between the interior of the cementing tool and the port I3 through the passage I3 is out ofi by the engagement of the plug I3 with-the seat I3. Thus the lower end of the tubing string 9 is completely sealed off and no liquid can iiow therefrom.

When the tool has been lowered to a desired position, the tubing string is then rotated in a clockwise direction as viewed downward in Figi, to close the valves 39 and 39. The tubing string is then raised a short distance to bring the valve member l in the flow control apparatus A to the intermediate position illustrated in Fig. 4. In this position the port I6 is below the lower packing member 6 and the plug I3 is raised from the seat I3', whereby liquid may flow from the tubing string 9, through tubular members 8 and I, port I9, and passage I9, into the open end of the nipple,

I4, and thence into the interior of the tool B. It will be noted that when the valve member 'I is in its intermediate position the port I9 is isolated from the tubing string and the tool B.

With the flow control valve mechanism in the intermediate position and with the valves 38 and 39 in the tool closed, liquid may be forced down the tubing string, through the above-denned passage means in the flow control apparatus, through the inner tubular member 39, and out through the ports 31 and Vil into the zone 49. Leak-locating or cementing operations as described in my abovementioned patent, or other operations involving the placement or introduction of fluid, may thus be performed with the valve mechanism in the intermediate position.

In order that the tool may then be moved up in the casing with a minimum loss of liquid from the tubing string, the tubing string is iirst raised va short distance from the intermediate position to its upper or extended position indicated in Fig. `5, in which the flow control valve means (member 'Dfagain closes oi thelower end of the tubing` communication from the tubing string to thev space in the casing above tool B. In moving to the upper position there is a slight loss of liquid from the tubing string as the port I9 passes the port I9, but this loss is ior all practical purposes negligible. If desired, however, such loss may be completely eliminated by placing port I5 at a different angular position, out of alinement with port I9.

When the valve mechanism is in its upper position the port I9 occupies substantially the same position as the port I6 did when the tool was in the intermediate position indicated in Fig. 4. Thus the port I8 communicates with the passage I9 which is in open communication with the nipple I4, and with the port I'I through the interior` During normal operations, `as in leak testing, or

cementing, or iiushing out following cementing, the valve plates 38 and 39 are forced against the partitions i2 and 43 by pressures kwhich may reach several thousand pounds per square inch. Unless this pressure is reduced before the valve plates are rotated, considerable mechanical force is required to rotate them and the wear on the valve plates and partitions is excessive, especially when abrasive particles such as cement particles are present.

The tubing string 9 is then rotated to open valves 38 and 39, and the tool may be raised in the casing to a new position without loss of liquid from the tubing string. It will benoted that when the ow control valve member 'I is in its upper position, closing the lower end of the well string, iiange 2| is in engagement with shoulder 24, whereby upward movement of the string 9 will raise the tool. When the desired higher position of the tool is reached, the tubing string may be rotated to close the valves 39 and 39 in the tool and then lowered to bring the valve mechanism in ow control apparatus A to the intermediate position illustrated in Fig. 4, to again open communication between the tool and tubing string.

If it is desired to move the tool to a lower position in the casing after the valve mechanism has been raised to its upper position as indicated in Fig. 5 and the valves 38 and 39 in the tool are open, as above described, the tubing string is simply lowered to place the valve mechanism in its lowered position as illustrated in Fig.` 1, in which the lower end of the tubing string is again completely sealed off and loss of liquid therefrom is prevented. Further downward movement of the tubing string forces the tool down-ward, due to engagement of flange 2l with the upper end of intermediate section 3 of tubular body I.

Valve member 'I closes the passage from the tubing string to the point of liquid discharge in the tool when said valve member is in either its lowered position (Fig. l) or its raised position (Fig. 5), and when in the latter position it also opens a passage from the interior of the tool to l CFl l, 4 and 5 and the valve function thereof; This form of the valve mechanism-may be used for the same operations as that previously described, but manipulation thereof is somewhat different.

In Figs. 6 and 7 it may be assumed that the flow control apparatus A1 is to be employed with the cementing tool of Figs. 1 and 2, and the illustration thereof has not been repeated, it being sufficient to show only the connection of the nipple I4 of such a tool to tubular outer body E0 of the ow control mechanism. A tubular inner body indicated at 6I is both slidably` and rotatably mounted with respect to the' body 6I) and comprises an upper cylindrical portion 62 and a lower cylindrical portion. 63 of reduced diameter. The upper portion 62 extends above the outer tubular body 6I) and is suitably secured to the well string 9 through the agency of the coupling I I.

The outer body 60 is provided in its interior and. intermediate its ends with longitudinally spaced packing members 64 and 65 which are adapted to sealingly engage with the outer cylindrical surface of the portion 63 of the inner tubular valve member and yet permit sliding movement thereof. The portion 63 of the inner tubular member is closed by a partition S5 intermediate its ends and is provided with a port 6l in its Wall located above the partition.

Referring particularly to Fig..6, the outer tubular member is of such internal configuration as to provide a passage 68 which communicates at its lower end with the nipple I4 and at its upper end with the port 6'! at a position below the lower packing member G5 when the inner tubular valve member GI is in its lowered position, whereby fiuid may flow from the well string 9 through the interior of the inner tubular member 6I to the port 81 and thence through the passage 68 into the open end of the nipple I4.

Tov cut off communication between the well string and the nipple I4, the well string is manipulated to raise the inner tubular valve member 6I to the position illustrated in Fig. 7. In this position the port 5l is located within the longitudinal connes of the packing members and more specifically is sealed by the packing member 64. The partition 66 cooperates tev prevent fluid flow longitudinally of lthe inner tubular member 6 I.

The outer tubular member Sil is provided with a port E9 which communicates at one end with the exterior of this member and at the other end with the interior thereof at a position intermediate the longitudinal boundaries ofthe packing means and more specically between the packing members 64 and 65. The reduced portion @3 of the inner tubular member extends below the partition 66 as indicated at 63a and is in open communication at its lower end with the passage B8'. The

vtubular portion 63a is provided with a port 'II which registers with the port 69 when the valve member 6| is in its raised position. Thus pressures in the passage E8 and the exterior of the body 60 areequalized. This makes'it possible to operate the valves in the tool communicating with the valve mechanism through the nipple I4, under relatively low pressure differences, and/or torrelieve the pressure on the packing cups whereby 8 the tool may be moved, if-*the tool isof the type which must bemoved in order to operate-the.

ment thereof to itsloweredposition (Fig.`.6 opensV the first-mentioned passage and closes the last mentioned passage.

In order t0 transmit desired longitudinale-nd rotational movements, ofthe well stringi) through theouter tubular` member B0 to the tool suspended from the nipple. I4, the enlarged portion 62 of the inner tubular member 6I is provided with a Z slot 10 on its outer surface and a cooperating'pin '.'2' engaging the slot is secured to the upper end of the outer tubular body 60. The center of the Z extends Verticallyvas indicated at 'I3' and the horizontally extending arms of the Z arev indicatedv at 'I4 and 15. It may be assumed that the pin I2 is in engagement with the arm 'I4Y of the slot when the tool is in the position indicated in Fig. 6 and that it is in engagement with the arm 'l5 of the slot when it is in the position i1- lustrated in Fig. 7.

To raise or lower the inner tubular member with respect to the outer tubular member it is first rotated with respect to the outer tubular member to move the particular arm of the slot, which' the pin 'I2 engages, past the pin and bring the central portion 'I3 of the slot into vertical alinement with pin l2. Then with the central portion 'I3 positioned vertically opposite pin 'I2 the inner tubular member may be moved up or down as the case may be. new position the well string may be rotated to move the desired arm of the slot 'I9 past the pin 'I2 and lock the inner tubular member against vertical movement and rotational movementV in one direction with respect to the outer tubular member. Obviously, limited rotative movement in the opposite direction isiafforded.

In general, any tool which is suspendedV from` some means such as bow springs resisting its movement relative to the casing. Thus relative movement of the inner and outer tubular members 6I and 6I] may be obtained since the outer tubular member 6B is relatively fixed with respect to the casing through its connection to the nipple I4. which is attached to the cementing tool or the like, In the case ofthe toolV illustrated at B in Figs. l and 2, the outer tubular member is rather rigidly held against vertical movement by the action of the bow springs 34 and 35; Limited rotational movement is permitted'since such move mentis required to operate the valves 38 and 39;

In general, the frictional forces in thercementing tool-will be suiiciently greater than the'fric'- tiona1 forces in the valve mechanism to allow operation thereof without rotating the valves in the tool. It will be noted that the' arms of the slot 'I0 are so faced as to give` rotation of the Valves 38 and 39 in the correct direction when the pin l2 is moved from the central portion 'I3 into the arms 'I4 and l5. It should be obvious that the valves 38 and 39 are to be open when the pin I2 is in arml'and closed when the pin is in arm 14.

It should be apparent that the portion 63a of the inner tubularI member may be omitted if desired` as its only function-is to guide the inner tubular member in.V itsy travel through the packing Upon reaching the y form of flow control mechanism is indicated at l A2 and is shown as comprising an outer tubular body 8l adapted to be secured at its lower end to a cementing tool or the like as to the nipple I4 of the tool illustrated in Figs. l and 2. Extending downward into the upper end of the body 0I and adapted for sliding longitudinal movement therein is an inner tubular member S2 comprising an upper portion 83 and a lower cylindrical portion 84 of reduced diameter. The upper portion 83 is adapted to be secured to the lower end of the tubular well string 9 through the agency of the coupling I I.

The central portion of the body BI is provided with a plurality of longitudinally spaced packing members 85, 86 and 81 which are adapted to sealingly engage with the outer cylindrical surface of the portion 84 of the inner tubular member and yet permit longitudinal movement thereof. The inner tubular member is provided with a partition 88 intermediate its ends for preventing fluid fiow` through the inner tubular member past the partition. The portion of the inner tubular member below the partition is designated at 84a. Immediately above the partition 88, the

inner tubular member 32 in the portion 84 therel of is provided with a port 89. The member 04a is provided with longitudinally spaced upper, intermediate and lower parts 92, I0! and |02, respectively. The interior surface of the outer body 8l is spaced from the inner tubular member 52 to provide a passage 9i located between packings 85 and 85; a passage I03a located between the packings and 81; and a passage 93 located below the packing 01 and communicating with the open lower end of the tube 84a and the open upper end of the nipple I4. The outer body 8l is provided with a port ID3 opening radially outward from the passage I03a.

The inner tubular member 82 is movable relative to the cuter member 8l to a raised position indicated in Fig. 10, a lowered position as indicated in Fig. 9, and an intermediate position as indicated in Fig. 8. The raised position is defined by engagement of ilange 94 with upper end 95 of body SI and the lowered position is deiined by engagement of said flange with shoulder 95. In order to transmit rotational movement of the well string 9 to the outer tubular body 8l cooperating elements such as a longitudinally extending groove 92 and a key 98 are provided on the inner tubular member 82 and outer tubular member t I, respectively,

With the`inner tubular member in the intermediate position (Fig. 8), the port lil3 performs no function since it is located opposite a blank space in the member 84a and is sealed from the ports itil and E02 by the packing members 86 and 81. Communication is established between the well string 9 and the nipple I through the interior of members 83 and 04, port 39, passage El, port 92, the interior of member Sia and passage 93.

Relation of the parts for the lowered position of the inner tubular member isindicated in Fig. 9. The port 92 is sealed by the packing member 86 whereby no liquid can drain from the well string 9. The port IOI registers with the port |03, whereby liquid may flow through the open lower end of the tubular section 84a through ports IIlI and 903 to the exterior of the body member 8l. The port 02 performs no function at this time.

The relation of the parts for the raised position of the inner tubular member is indicated in Fig. 10. The uppermost packing member 85 seals the port 89 and prevents iiow of liquid out of the well string 9. The port E02 registers with the port i031, whereby communication is provided between the passage 93 and the exterior of the body 8l through the tubular member 84a and the ports H32 and |03. In `this position of the tool the ports 92 and IOI perform no function, being sealed from the port 89 by the packing member 05.

With the form of the invention illustrated in Figs. 8 to 10, the passage between the well string and the tool is automatically closed upon Sunicient longitudinal movement of the well string to bring the inner tubular member to either its raised or lowered position, whereby the associated tool may be run up or down the casing.

When a desiredlocation is reached, upward or downward movement of the well string to bring `the inner tubular member to its intermediate position will automatically place the well string in communication with the tool.

Referring to Figs. 11 to 13, a modified form of flow control mechanism is indicated at A4. and is shown as comprising a sectional cylindrical outer body 20| provided with a cylindrical vertically extending bore 202 threaded at its lower end for attachment to a suitable cementing tool or the like such as the nipple I4 of the tool illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2. The bore 202 is. of reduced diameter at its upper end as indicated at 2020i and is provided with a close tting cylindricalmandrel 203 which extends from a position intermediate its ends to a position above the upper end of the body 20! and is adapted to be secured at its upper end to the lower section 9 of4 the tubing string by means of collar II.

The mandrel 203 is provided with partition means 204 intermediate its ends and with upper passage means 205 in open communication with the string 9 and lower passage means 205 in open communicationY with the nipple Ill. Radially extending ports 201 and 208 are provided in the wall of the mandrel 203 communicating with the passagesv 205 and 206 respectively.

Radially extending internal passages 209 and 2I0 adapted to register with ports 201 and 208 respectively are provided on the interior of the body 20I and are connected by a longitudinally extending internal passage 2l I. A port 2 I 2 is also provided in the wall of the outer body 20| at a position substantially diametrically opposite Vthe passage 2I0.

With the outer body 20I and the mandrel 203 in the relative rotative positions illustrated in Figs. 11 to 13 liquid may ow from the tubing string 9 through passage 205, port 201, passages 209, 2II, 2I0, port 203. andpassage 206 to the nipple I4. The port 2I2 is closed by the blank wall of the mandrel 203 and is ineffective.

Rotation of the tubing string 9 substantially relative to the outer body 20I in a clockwise direction as viewed in Fig. 12 will cut off communication between the tubing string 9 and the nipple I4 since the passage 209 will be closed by a blank portion of the mandrel 203 and longitudinal now through the mandrelis cut off by the partition 2M. Communication between the nipple I4 and the exterior of the body 23| is established through registry cf the portsl 228 and 2|2.

Relative rotational movement of the mandrel and body is limited by cooperating stop means comprising pin 2| 3 secured to the upper end of lthe body and a notched disc 2M keyed as at 2|5 `to the upper portion f the mandrel 233. (See Figs. l1 and 12.) Upward movement of the Inandrel with respect to the body is prevented by the cooperating shoulder means provided at 2lb and downward movement is prevented by nut 2| 1 which holds the plate 2id in position.

,The flow control device A4 may be substituted for the devices A, A1, A2 or A3. If it is desired to reverse the .direction of rotation to move be- .tween the two operating positions of the device A4, the plate 2 l 4 maybe removed and turned over and then replaced.

Referring to Fig. 14 a cementing tool is illustrated embodying a flow control device as a part thereof. The tool is shown as comprising a tubular outer body 22D of sectional construction provided on its outer surface with-a lower upward facing packing cup 22|, an intermediate downward facing packing cup 222, and an upper upward facing cup 223. The packing cups are adapted `to sealingly engage with the inner wall of a casing indicated at 224, the cups 22| and 222 defining therebetween a localized zone 225 in the casing. Passage means 226 vdefined by the hollow interior of the outer body is closed at its lower Vend by a partition 221. A separate by-pass tube 228 as distinguished from a passage provided with manually operable valves, extends through the `passage 226 and is secured at its upper end to the body 220 and at its lower end to the partition 221. The by-pass tube opens at 229 into the space of the casing 224 above the packing cup 223 and at its lower end at 23B into the space in thecasing below the packing cup 22|. A discharge port 22ais provided in the body 221) intermediate the cups 22| and 222 and adjacent the cup 22|.

Upper tubular sections 23| and 232 are identical with the upper sections of the body l0 of Figs. 6 .and 7 and are provided 'with a mandrel 233 substantially identical to the mandrel 6| of Figs. 6 and 7. The only change in the mandrel construction is the substitution of a C slot indicated at 234 for the Z slot of Figs. 6 and '7. The mandrel is secured at its upper end to the tubing string not shown by the coupling l and is in uid communication with the tubing string.

The tool is shown in its extended position with the mandrel 233 in its raised position cutting off communication between the tubing string and the passage 226, Port 235 is sealed by packing 236 in the section 23| and longitudinal flow in the mandrel past the port is `cut off by partition 231. Communication `between the passage 226 and the interior of the casing above the cup 223 is provided through the interior of the lower end of the mandrel indicated at 238, port 239 in the mandrei, and .port 240 in the section 23|. With the tool in the position shown it may be raised or lowered in the casing 224 without loss of liquid from the tubingstring.

Manipulation of the tubing string to put the tool in its contracted position with the rmandrel 233 in its lowered position places the port 235 in communication with the passage 225 and closes the port 24|). In this position cement or other vliquid` may be forced down the tubing string vthrough the mandrel, the port 235,V passage 226,

/12 and port 2-2a into the localizedzone 225.; With the tool in the contracted position it may be flushed by forcing liquid vdown Athe casing out- ,sideithe tubing-string, down through the by-pass .228, thence upward around the cup 22| into lthe localized zone 225 and out through the port 220m passage `226, and port 235 into thetubing. The upward facing cup 223 prevents the flow of ,liquid into. the localized zone Without rst passing down through the by-pass tube.

Obviously, the flow control devices A, A2, A3 or A4 may be incorporated in the tool illustrated in Fig. 14 in place of the illustrated flow control valve mechanism.

Referring to Figs. to 18, and particularly to Fig. 15, a further modified form of tool is illustrated'incorporating a built-in flow control valve `of the tube 230.

mechanism. The tool comprises a sectionaltubular outer body 250 provided with a lower'upward facing packing cup 25|, an intermediate downward facing packing cup 252, and an upper upward facing packing cup 253. The cups are adapted to sealingly engage the inner surface of a Well casing or the like 254 and the cups 25| and 252 define therebetween a localized zone v255 in the Well casing.

The body 25! is provided with a discharge port '255,communicating with the localized zone 255 at a po-sition immediately above the cup 25| and with a by-pass port 251 communicating with the interior of the casing at a position above the upper cup 253.

The tool further comprises a rigid inner tubular assembly 253 in the form of spaced concentric outer and inner tubular members 259 and 230.

as at 226 to receive the lower end of the tube 22!! and is provided with a Vertical passage 261 providing communication between the annular passage 26| and the interior of the casing below 'the cup 25| through the open lower ends of the members 235 and 250. The partition 265 is radially recessed intermediate its ends to provide a chamber 238 communicating with the open lower end The upper end of the tube 260 is connected to an enlarged cylindrical mandrel portion 269 which is in turn connected through the collar I to the lower end of the tubing string not shown with which it communicates. The-interior of the body 253 is provided with a plurality of longitudinally spaced packing glands 21|, 212, 213, and 214 which sealingly engage the tubular member 259.

The inner tubular assembly 258 and the outer body 250 are adapted for relative longitudinal movement and are movable to a contracted posicylindrical member 26S,V tube 23), chamber 228,

and port 256 into the localized zone 255. The bypass port 251 is ineffective since it is sealed by a blank wall of the member 259. Chamber 268 is sealed from the by-pass passage by the packing glands 213 and 214. By-pass port 211 in the wall of the member 255 is sealed from the by-pass port by the packing gland 21 I. With the tool in the contracted position cementing or other operations involving the controlled placement of fluid from the tubing string through the port 256 to the localized zone 255 may be practiced.-

In the intermediate position illustrated in Fig. 16 chamber 26B still communicates with cement port 256 and is sealed from the by-pass passage by the packing glands 213 and 214. The by-pass passage is now eiective and communication is established between the interior of the casing above the upper cup 253 and the interior of the casing below the lower cup 25| through by-pass ports 251 and 211, and passages 26! and 251. With the tool in this position the flushing operation described in connection with Fig. 14 may be practiced.

Whenthe tool is in the extended position illustrated in Fig. 17 the chamber 268 is sealed from the discharge port 256 by the packing gland 213 and from the other ports and passages in the tool by the packing gland 212. The by-pass passage defined in connection with Fig. 16 is still effective since the by-pass ports 251 and 211 are still in registry. A relief port 218 provided in the wall of the member 264 and which has previously been ineiective is now in registry with the discharge port 255 and communication between the localized zone 255 and the space in the casing below the lower packing cup 25| is established through the ports 256, 218, and the open lower ends of the members 264 and250, whereby the pressure in the localized zone is reduced.

The tool illustrated in Fig. 15 has advantages over the tool illustrated `in Fig. 14 in that the bypass may be closed when the tubing string communicates with the discharge port. This is valuable when cementing in perforated casings where the perforations extend from the localized zone to a position below the lower packing cup. A closed by-pass prevents cement from flowing up the casing through the by-pass.

It should be apparent that the tools illustrated in Figs. 14 and 15 may be provided with casing engaging means such as the bow springs illustrated in Figs. l and 2. Also the ratio of length to diameter of the tools illustrated in Figs. 14 and 15 may be modied if desired.

A particular advantage of the invention lies in the provision of means for reducing the pressure on the packing cups in the localized zone without movement of the cups relative to the casing, that is, by movement of the well string relative to the tool. In general, movement of the tool with a high pressure in the localized zone is diflicult and will sometimes result in tearing the cups. In low fluid-level wells a well string full of liquid will put a high pressure on the localized zone. By providing means for closing the well string above the tool, the pressure between the cups in the localized zone is reduced, movement of the tool is facilitated and wear reduced.

My invention is obviously subject to considerable modification. Hence, I do not choose to be limited to the embodiments disclosed herein but rather to the scope of the appended claims.

Iclaim:

1. The combination with an oil well tool for use in cementing or the like suspended from a tubular well string and Ahaving a discharge opening for discharging liquid from the interior of the tool, of a fluid flow control device interposed between the well string and tool and having means dening a passage therein providing communication between the interior of the tool and the interior of the well string; said flow control device comprising a body member connected to the tool and mounted on the well string in such manner as to permit limited vertical movement of the well string relative to said body member; and valve means within said body member connected to the well string and operable by manipulation of the well string to an intermediate position to open said passage; said valve means being operable by upward movement of the well string relative to said body member, to a position above said intermediate position to close said passage, and by downward movement of the well string relative to said body member, to a position below said intermediate position to close said passage.

2. A well tool to be suspended from a Well string in a casing or the like and comprising an outer tubular body having a discharge opening and by-pass openings located above and be- 10W the discharge opening; a packing member located between each of said by-pass openings and said discharge opening and adapted to sealingly engage the inner wall of the casing; and a tubular mandrel adapted for connection at its upper end to the well string and extending downward into the outer body, said mandrel having a discharge'passage communicating with the Well string, a by-pass passage separate from the discharge passage, and a relief port cornmunicating with the exterior of the body below the packing members, said mandrel being movable longitudinally relative to theA body by manipulation of the well string to a first position in which the discharge passage communicates with the discharge opening, a second position in which the by-pass passage communicates with the by-pass openings, and a third position in which the discharge opening communicates with the relief port.

3. .A device for use on a tubular Well string 'j and adapted to operate in a well casing or the like to control uid iiow between the interior of the well string and a position outside the well string, comprising: a vertically extending tubular body having means at its upper end for connection to the lower end of a well string, an opening at its upper end for receiving fiuid from the well string, and a fluid passage communicating with said opening; and another vertically extending tubular body slidably connected to the u first-mentioned tubular body in such manner as to provide for limited vertical movement of said first-mentioned tubular body relative thereto, said second-mentioned tubular body having a fluid outflow opening at its lower end and another fluid passage communicating with said fluid outflow opening; said first-mentioned tubular body being provided with means movable therewith relative to said second-mentioned tubular body and positioned to control communication between said two passages, said lastnamed means being movable relative to said second-mentioned tubular body to an intermediate position to establish communication between said passages and being movable to another position to shut off communication between said passages upon relative upward movement thereof from said intermediate position and to yet another position to shut off communication between said passages upon relative down- `l-"5 ward movement -thereof from saidintermediate position.

4. In a well tool of the type to be suspended from a tubular well string in a well casing or the like and having body means provided with spaced packing'means adapted to sealingly engage the .casing to seal olf a localized Zone therein and -With a discharge opening communicating with @said zone, the combination Which comprises:Y

means defining a passage within said tool leading from the upper end of the tool to said discharge opening; valve means in said passage slidably disposed withinsaid body means for limited vertical movement relative thereto, said valve means being movable to an intermediate position to 4open said passage, to aposition above said ntermediate position to close said passage, and to a -position below said intermediate position tovclose said passage; and a tubular member extending within said bodymeans and connected to said valve means, said tubular member extending above said body means and being adapted for .connection to a drill stem'for movement therewith relative to said body means, the interior of said tubular member forming part of said passage and being open at its upper end to receive fluid from the drill stem.

5. ,A device for use on a tubular well 4string and adapted to operate in a well casing or the like to control fluid flow between the interior of 'the well string and a position outside the well string, comprising vertically extending `body means having a relief passage communicating with the exterior thereof at a position between the upper and lower ends of said body means;

said body means comprising two vertically extending tubular bodies connected together in Vsuch lmanner as `to `provide for limited vertical and relative movement ofone of said tubular 'bodies relative to the other of said tubular bodies; said one of said tubular bodies having means at its upper end for connection to the lower end of a well string, an opening at its Vupper end for receiving fluid from the well string,

and va fluid inilow passage communicating with said opening; said other of said tubular bodies having a uid outflow opening below said relief passage and having a fluid outflow passage communicating `with said fluid outflow opening; said one of said tubular bodies being provided with means positioned to control communication between said passages, said last-named means bel'ing connected to said one of said tubular bodies for vertical movement therewith relative to said Vother of said tubular bodies, to one position to establish communication between said fluid inflowand iluid outflow passages and shut off both said fluid inflow and fluid outflow passages from .communication with said relief passage, and to another position to shut off communication between .said fluid inflow and fluid outflow passages and establish communication between said fluid outflow passage and said relief passage; and said tubular bodies being provided with Vlocking members movable relative to each other by relative rotative movement of said one of said tubular bodies when said last-named means is in the last-mentioned position, into and out of engagement with each other to prevent vertical movement of said one of said tubular bodies relative to said other of said tubular bodies.

6. A device for use on a tubular well string and adapted to operate in a well casing or the like to -control fluid flow between the interior of the Well string anda position outside the Wellstring, comp rising vertically extending body means having a relief passage communicating with the exterior thereof at a position between the upper and lower ends of body means; said body means-comprising two vertically extending tubular bodies connected `together in such manner as to provide for limited movement of one of said tubular bodies relative to the other of said tubular bodies; *said one of said tubular bodies having means at its upper end for connection to the lower end of a well string, an opening at `its upper end for receiving iluid from the well string, and a iluid inflow passage communicating with said opening; said other of said tubular bodies having a fluid outflow opening below said relief passage and having a fluid outflow passage communicating with said fluid outflow opening; and said oneof huid outflow passages and establish communication. between said fluid outilow passage and said relief passage.

'7. The combination with an oil well tool .for use in introducing fluid into a localized Vzone at any desired level in a-Well casing, suspended from a tubularV well string and having a discharge opening for discharging fluid from the interior of the tool, of afluid flow control device interposed between kthe tool and the well string and comprising vertically extending body meanshaving a relief passage communicating with the exterior thereof at a position between the upperand lower ends of said body means; said body means comprising two vertically extending tubular bodies connected together in such manner as to provide for limited movement Vof one of said to said tool and having a iluid outflow passage `communicating with the interior of said tool; and said one of said tubular bodies being provided with means positioned to control communication between said passages, said last-named means being connected to said one of said tubular bodies for movement therewith relative to said other of said tubular bodies, to one position to establish communiaction between said fluid inflow and fluid outflow passages and shut off both said fluid inow and fluid outflow passages from communication with said relief passage, and to another position to shut off communication between said uid inflow and fluid outflow passages and establish communication between saidiluid outflow passage and said relief passage.

8. The combination set forth in claim 7, said last-named means being operable, upon movement from said one position toward said other position, to ilrst shut off communication between said fluid inilow and fluid outflow passages and then establish communication between said fluid outflow passage and said relief passage.

9. In a well tool of the type to be suspended i `aso-geve `from a tubular well string in a well casing for introducing fluid at any desired level therein, vertically extending body means comprising two vertically extending tubular bodies connected together in such manner as to providerfor limited;

movement of one of said tubular bodies relative to the other of said tubular bodies; said one of said tubular bodies having means at its upper end for connection to the lower end of a well string, an opening at its upper end for receiving casing to seal off a localizedzone therein betweenrx said packing means, with means for frictionally engaging the casing to resist movement thereof relative to the casing, with a iluid discharge opening communicating with the exterior thereof between said packing means, and with a fluid outflow passage communicating with said discharge opening; said body means having a relief passage communicating with the exterior thereof at a position outside the localized zone between said packing means; and said one of said tubular bodies being provided with means positioned to control communication between said passages, said last-named means being connected to said one of said tubular bodies for movement therewith relative to said other of said tubular bodies, to one position to establish communication between said fluid inflow and fluid outflow passages and shut off both said fluid inflow and fluid outflow passages from communication with said relief passage, and to another position to shut oif communication between said fluid inflow and fluid outilow passages and establish communication between said fluid outflow passage and said relief passage.

10. In combination with a tubular well string for operation in a well casing; a tool adapted to be moved vertically within said casing and provided with two vertically spaced packers projecting outward therefrom and adapted for sealing engagement with the casing to seal off a zone within the casing between the packers and with means for frictionally engaging the casing to resist movement of the tool relative to the casing, said tool also having a passage extending downward from the upper end thereof and communicating packer and the exterior of the tool below the lower f packer, two vertically spaced valves within said tool provided with seats and adapted for movement between positions opening said by-pass passage means and positions closing said by-pass passage, said by-pass passage means including a chamber located between said valves and communicating with the first-named passage, and said valves being located between their respective seats and said chamber and movable toward and away from said seats, whereby they are held tightly against said seats when in closed position by fluid pressure in said chamber; and a fluid-controlling device connected to the upper end of said tool and provided with a relief passage communicating with the exterior of said device at a position above the upper packer of said tool; said fluid-controlling device comprising two vertically extending tubular bodies connected together in such manner as to provide for limited movement of one of said tubular bodies relative to the other of said tubular bodies; said one of said tubular 1 bodies being. connected at its upper end 'to the well string and having a iluid inflow passage communi- Veating with the interior of the well string; said other of said tubular bodies being connected at its lower end to said tool and having a. fluid outflow passage communicatingwith the first-mentionedpassagein the tool; and .said one ofv4 said tubular bodies being provided with means positioned to control communication between said iluid inflow and fluid outflow passages and said relief passage, said last-named means being conlnected'to said one of said tubular bodies for movement therewith relative to. said other of said tubular bodies, to one position to establish communication between said fluid inflow and fluid outflow passages and shut off both said fluid inflow and `'fluid outow passages from communication with said relief passage, and to another position to shut olf communication between said fluid inflow and fluid outflow passages and establish communication between said fluid outflow passage and said relief passage.

l1. In combination with a tubular well string for operation in a well casing; a tool adapted to be moved vertically within said casing and provided with two vertically spaced packers projecting outward therefrom and adapted for sealing engagement with the casing to seal off a zone within the casing between the packers and with means for frictionally engaging the casing to resist movement of the tool relative to the casing, said tool also having a passage extending downward from its upper end and communicating with the exterior of the tool within said zone; and a fluid-controlling device connected to the upper end of said tool and provided with a relief passage communicating with the exterior of said device at a position above the upper packer of said tool; said fluid controlling device comprising two vertically extending tubular bodies connected together in such manner as to provide .for limited movement of one of said tubular bodies relative to the other of said tubular bodies; said one of said tubular bodies being connected at its upper having a uid outflow passage communicating with said passage in the tool; and said one of said tubular bodies being provided with means positioned to control communication between said fluid inow and iluid outflow passages and said relief passage, said last-named means being connected to said one of said Ytubular bodies for movement' therewith relative to said other of said tubular bodies, to one position to establish communication between said fluid inflow and fluid outflow passages and shut olf both said fluid inflow and fluid outflow passages from communication with said relief passage, and to another position to shut off communication between said fluid inflow and fluid outflow passages and establish communication between said fluid outflow passage and said relief passage.

12. A device for use on a tubular well string and adapted to operate in a well casing or the like to control fluid flow between the interior of the well string and a position outside the well string, comprising vertically extending body means having a relief passage communicating with the exterior thereof at a position between the upper and lower ends of said body means; Said body means comprising two vertically ex- 19 tending tubular bodies connected together in such manner as to provide for limited vertical movement of one of said tubular bodies relative to the other of said tubular bodies; said one of said tubular bodies having means at its upper end for connection to the lower end of a well string, an opening at its upper end for receiving fluid from the well string, and a, iluid inflow passage communicating with said opening; said other of said tubular bodies having a iiuid outow opening below said relief passage and having a fluid outflow passage communicating with said uid outflow opening; and said one of said tubular bodies being provided with means positioned to control communication between said passages, said lastnamed means being connected to said one of said tubular bodies for vertical movement therewith -20 K relative to said other of said tubular bodies, to an intermediate `position toestablish communication between said fluid inflow and fluid` outflow passages and shut off both said fluid inflow and uid outow passages from communication with said relief passage, to a position above said intermediate position to shut 01T communication between said uid inflow and fluid outflow passages and establish communication between said fluid outflow passage and said relief passage, and to yet another position below said intermediate position to shut off communication between said fluid inflow and fluid outflow passages and establish communication between said fluid outiiow passage and said relief passage,

PAUL H. GRANGER. 

